Transforming the Practice of Student Affairs Professionals: Creating an Ecosystem of Support that is Inclusive of Online Learners

Abstract

As institutions forge forward with creating online learning experiences for college and university students, student affairs professionals should seek to create an experience that anticipates and supports their needs from expression of interest in the program to graduation. The term “student affairs” encompasses administrative and management functions created to meet the needs of students including extracurricular activities as well as academic and emotional support. Student affairs departments may be involved in residence life, advising, leadership development, career services, advocacy and support services, and more. All students, including online students, excel both academically and emotionally when they feel valued, welcomed, and supported. The following chapter provides recommendations on ways campuses can transform the existing ecosystem of support services and engagement opportunities to be inclusive of online learners. A systematic review of the current ecosystem of support has been made to analyze the ways in which access is provided remotely to online learners and to ensure that the language and engagement opportunities shared with students are inclusive of online learners. In addition to this expanding of current support systems, it is recommended that campuses should consider specific initiatives they can create and implement for their online population including online orientation, success coaching, library support services, and the use of predictive analytics for student success.

Citation

Hoffman, J. and Willinger, A. (2021), "Transforming the Practice of Student Affairs Professionals: Creating an Ecosystem of Support that is Inclusive of Online Learners", Hoffman, J. and Blessinger, P. (Ed.) International Perspectives on Supporting and Engaging Online Learners (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 39), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 13-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120210000039002